Bird houses serve multiple purposes in Sons of the Forest. As the name suggests, they provide shelter and nesting spots for birds. However, they also have some unique uses that are specific to the game. In this article, we will explore what bird houses do and how they can be utilized by players in Sons of the Forest.
Providing Shelter for Birds
The primary function of a bird house is to give birds a safe place to build their nests and raise their young. In Sons of the Forest, there are multiple types of small birds that will occupy bird houses, including finches, chickadees, nuthatches, and wrens. Placing bird houses around your base camp or other areas allows these birds to move in and nest. This brings some life and ambient animal activity to the environment.
Birds will even lay eggs and raise baby birds in occupied bird houses. You’ll be able to hear their songs and chatter around your structures. Each type of bird has unique vocalizations that add to the overall atmosphere and sounds of the forest. Watching birds fly to and from houses with nesting materials gives the world a greater sense of realism as you go about your survival activities.
Decor and Customization
Bird houses can also be used decoratively as part of your base building. You can customize houses with different colors and designs. Place them around the exterior or interior of your defensive walls, cabins, or tree platforms.
Houses act as visual enhancements to create a more lively and inhabited environment. You can get creative with where and how you place bird houses to add personal decorative flair to your structures and camps.
Light Source
One of the most useful aspects of bird houses in Sons of the Forest is that they can provide a light source at night. After placing a basic bird house, you can add a Lit Birdhouse Upgrade. This consists of a small light bulb that will illuminate the inside of the house when it gets dark.
The light shining out from the entry hole produces a cozy glow. By positioning lit bird houses near your buildings, walkways, or work areas, you can increase visibility and see better when the sun goes down. They help you maintain some level of nighttime orientation. The warm light also adds ambiance and a welcoming feel to your camps.
Determining Direction
Lit birdhouses can assist with navigation and determining direction. Since they only shine light out of one side, you can quickly tell which way you are facing simply by looking at the location of the light. The fixed position means they act like small landmarks that provide an orientation reference point.
For example, placing a lit birdhouse on the outer side of your defensive wall allows you to quickly discern the inner and outer areas of your camp. You’ll know you’re inside the walls when the light is behind you and outside when it’s in front of you. This can be especially useful at night when it’s harder to navigate your surroundings.
Repelling Cannibals
In addition to the utilities mentioned above, birdhouses – particularly lit ones – have the added benefit of helping keep cannibal mutants away. These enemies are averse to light and sounds of wildlife.
A lit birdhouse produces both of these deterrent effects. Cannibals are programmed to avoid these light sources to some degree. The glow and ambient bird sounds make them less likely to approach your camp or buildings. Making strategic use of birdhouses can help fortify the defenses of your base by repelling cannibal activity.
Crafting Bird Houses
Crafting basic bird houses in Sons of the Forest is relatively straightforward. You will need the following materials:
- 5 sticks
- 4 feathers
- 1 rope
Collect sticks from fallen branches around the forest floor. You can gather feathers from dead birds or by using a bird trap to capture live ones. Rope can be harvested from cutting down hanging body bags, which are found in certain cannibal camps.
Once you have the required resources, open your crafting menu and select the Basic Birdhouse option to construct one. You’ll immediately gain the new item in your inventory after crafting it.
Upgrading to Lit Birdhouses
To upgrade a basic birdhouse into a lit birdhouse:
- First craft a basic Solar Panel (made with 1 circuit board and 1 glass).
- Then craft a Solar Panel Wall Mount (made with 1 circuit board, 2 glass, and 1 rope).
- Finally, interact with the basic birdhouse in your inventory and select the “Add Lit Birdhouse Upgrade” option.
This will consume 1 Solar Panel Wall Mount and convert the basic birdhouse into a lit version. You can then place the lit birdhouse in the world. It will emit light each night like a lamp. Maintaining the solar panels that power it will be required for continuous operation.
Bird House Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips to use bird houses most effectively in Sons of the Forest:
- Place houses in trees or elevated positions to make their lights visible from farther away.
- Bird activity and lights can help camouflage your base locations at night.
- Use bird houses to mark trail paths to easily follow routes between camp locations.
- Place boxes inside defensive walls so birds don’t give away your position with their activity.
- Experiment with colored lights from different dyes to create unique lighting ambiance.
- Maintain solar panels powering lit houses to keep them running smoothly.
Conclusion
Bird houses serve many useful purposes in Sons of the Forest beyond just providing bird shelter. Their decor, lighting, and cannibal deterring effects make them valuable additions to your survival structures and camps. Take advantage of the benefits bird houses offer to enhance your gameplay experience in Sons of the Forest’s immersive and challenging world.